Racing Bulls Faces Tough 2027 F1 Line-up Decision with Lawson, Lindblad, and Tsolov
Formula 2 CEO Bruno Michel believes Nikola Tsolov is ready for Formula 1, adding complexity to Racing Bulls' 2027 driver selection. With Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad also performing well, the team faces a challenging decision.
According to Formula 2 CEO Bruno Michel, Nikola Tsolov is prepared to step onto the Formula 1 stage. However, Racing Bulls is currently evaluating their 2027 driver lineup, which complicates matters. Both Liam Lawson and rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad have shown strong performances, leaving the team with a tough choice. Michel admits he's relieved not to be part of the decision-making process as Racing Bulls considers which two drivers will secure seats next season.
Racing Bulls plans to finalize their F1 2027 driver roster in the upcoming weeks. With three strong contenders for only two spots, the Red Bull junior team faces a dilemma. They must decide whether to continue with Lawson and Lindblad, who have propelled the team to fifth in the Constructors' standings, or to promote Tsolov, a promising Red Bull prospect.
Tsolov is currently embroiled in an exciting F2 title race against Ferrari junior Rafael Camara, who has already been confirmed as a Haas F1 driver for 2027. When asked if Tsolov is ready to graduate to F1, Michel confidently stated, "The answer is yes. I think he’s ready." Despite this endorsement, Michel is uncertain if Tsolov will make the jump next year, noting that the decision rests with Racing Bulls' management.
Michel praised Tsolov's impressive F2 season, highlighting the intense competition with Camara. "They have their ups and downs," Michel observed, "but Nikola is a very spectacular driver and is also very consistent." This consistency, according to Michel, is a strong indication that Tsolov is prepared for F1.
When queried about the potential unfairness of Lawson or Lindblad losing their seat, Michel acknowledged the difficulty of the decision. Lawson recently delivered a solid performance in Singapore, finishing P5 in the Sprint and P7 in the Grand Prix. Michel expressed relief that the decision lies with Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies, and Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer, rather than himself.
Michel concluded, "I think Nikola is having a great season. I think Liam is doing quite good, I agree with you, for the last races, definitely. I think Arvid is doing very well as well. So it will be a difficult choice, and I’m very glad it’s not mine."